Quarterbacks inconsistent during USC scrimmage

James Toland, #26, gets short yardage during a scrimmage. The USC football team is in the midst of spring practices being held on campus. Los Angeles, CA. April 5, 2014 (Photo by John McCoy / Los Angeles Daily News)

James Toland,#26, runs for short yardage. The USC football team is in the midst of spring practices being held on campus. Los Angeles, CA. April 5, 2014 (Photo by John McCoy / Los Angeles Daily News)

If someone walked into Howard Jones Field for the first time Saturday, they might wonder who starts at quarterback for USC and whether the defense is far behind the offense.

A peril of spring practice occurs when touchdowns are given priority over situations during a scrimmage. For example, quarterback Cody Kessler threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Nelson Agholor during Saturday’s abbreviated scrimmage.

But Agholor was covered by a walk-on safety, who was hopelessly lost covering the Trojans’ star receiver. And Kessler’s pass was off the mark but it did not matter because Agholor was so open, he had time to adjust.

Kessler was inconsistent during the scrimmage even though he is well ahead of his backup, Max Browne, who also threw a touchdown pass. But USC offensive coordinator Clay Helton said even Browne’s touchdown pass was also off target.

Defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox also did not sound thrilled after the scrimmage.

“They’ve got a lot of work to do,” Wilcox said. “We need to develop our depth. We’ve just got to get better. We have a tendency to start fast and then not play as well.”

“Some guys are taking reps now that probably would not be taking reps later,” Wilcox said.

Wilcox said Williams is so good he is not worried where he lines up in the new defensive formations.

“He can play anywhere,” Wilcox said.

Helton said Kessler and Browne each completed around 70 percent of their passes during spring drills.

Sarkisian endorses assistant Helton

USC coach Steve Sarkisian said he retained Helton from the previous coaching staff after he observed him running the team as interim coach in December.

“That was a difficult situation when I got hired,” Sarkisian said. “For Clay to take over the reins like that and his conduct in team meetings, I was blown away by it all. How could I not have him on the staff?”

No comment

USC did not allow players to speak to the media after practice because of the Swim with Mike fundraiser, even though only 15 members of the team participated.

Spring play count

Sarkisian said through nine practices the offense ran about 1,000 plays. If you count morning walk-throughs that are also taking place, the figure rises to approximately 2,000. USC’s kickers rarely worked on field goals during spring practice under Lane Kiffin, but Sarkisian has allowed kicking. Starter Andre Heidari made attempts from 44 and 47 yards.

Post-practice swim

Kessler, Browne and linebacker Hayes Pullard went straight to the swim stadium after practice to participate in a relay race for the Swim with Mike fundraiser, which raised around $800,000 Saturday for the Physically Challenged Athletes Scholarship Fund.

The fund has raised $15 million in the past 34 years to allow those who experienced life-challenging accidents or illnesses to obtain undergraduate or graduate degrees.